DIGITAL LITERACY: Computer Systems


A "SYSTEM" a collection of things that somehow work together
Computer02.jpg
A "Computer System" is a collection of "components" that have been designed to work together to let you:
  1. Input Information
  2. Store Information
  3. Process Information
  4. Output Information

EXERCISE: What is a Computer?

What exactly qualifies as a "computer"? There are many different ways to answer that question. Try this:
  • Use the web, and try to answer these questions:
    • What is a Computer?
    • What was the world's FIRST computer?
  • Type up your answers in a new OPEN OFFICE WRITER document
    • Save the document to your H: drive using a meaningful name
    • Close Open Office
    • Drag the file to the appropriate HANDINS folder

(Do this now)

EXERCISE: The History of Computers

History_of_Computers01.gifEach of the following "Computer Systems" advanced our technology, and led us to the computers that we're using today.
Create a Word Processing document that lists each calculating device, and fills in the following details:
  1. When was it created?
  2. Why was it significant?
  3. Find an image on the internet and crop it to 320x240 pixels. Include the image in your document.

  • Abacus,
  • Pascal's Calculator
  • Babbage's "Analytical Engine"
  • Zuse 1-3
  • Eniac
  • Univac
  • Altair
  • Apple
  • IBMPC